News Release, 18 June 2003
The Mental Health Foundation, in partnership with Pavilion Publishing and City & Guilds, has launched a new training certificate (the Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health Work), to fill a vital gap in the training framework needed for the reform of mental health services.
Developed by a steering group made up of The Mental Health Foundation, Pavilion Publishing, TOPPS and City & Guilds, the certificate is aimed at people who are new to the mental health field, and should be completed within the first six months of them taking up their role. It's suitable for staff from a broad spectrum of mental health services across the UK.
Many thousands of staff and volunteers who work face-to-face with people experiencing mental distress in a huge variety of settings, could benefit from the training.
Maddy Halliday, UK Development and Policy Director of the Mental Health Foundation said:
"There has never been a greater need for mental health services to be able to recruit and retain good staff in non-professional support roles. But in order for this to happen, the morale of these support staff is vital - as is recognition of their skills and the potential to develop these further."
"The certificate is designed to give recruits the basic knowledge they need to be able to deliver safe, supportive and empathetic services, as well as to offer real career progression."
The certificate can be used as:
- an induction programme for newly appointed staff and volunteers
- an induction programme for Support, Time and Recovery workers in England
- an alternative to mental health awareness training for newly appointed staff and volunteers
- a mental health-specific pathway leading towards a Level 2 S/NVQ in Care
- a progression route onto the Level 3 Certificate in Community Mental Health Care
- a progression route onto Level 3 S/NVQs in Care and Promoting Independence.
The certificate is a work-based qualification focused on the day-to-day practices of staff and volunteers. Suitable settings include: residential, day-care, drop-in services, advocacy, in-patient or out-patient care, supported housing, supported employment, home and general community support, prison and probation services and specialist services for homeless people.
It has five units, each one mapping to practical activities and underpinning knowledge. The units are: Principles of Mental Health Work; Experience of Mental Distress; Effective Communication; the Working Environment and Developing as a Mental Health Worker.
The certificate has been mapped against the S/NVQ Level 2 Care. In addition, City & Guilds have mapped the certificate against:
- Key Skills at Levels 1 & 2
- National Occupational Standards for Mental Health
- Induction and Foundation requirement of TOPSS England
It will shortly be mapped against the induction requirements of the Care Council for Wales/Cyngor Gofal Cymru
The award is accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority as a Vocationally Related Qualification at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, and is recognised by employers. It also forms part of the City & Guilds Affinity suite of Initial Awards.
Return to news releases 2003
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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